Saleen FourSixteen EV model Tesla S

What happens when two of the hottest names on the road join together? You get the Saleen FOURSIXTEEN Tesla S super performance electric car. That’s a mouthful, and a garage full of technology, design and power.

The Saleen FOURSIXTEEN is from the same automotive performance brand that designed and produces the Saleen S7 supercar.

Saleen, of course, is Steve Saleen, the former race car driver who used his track smarts to soup up and tune up Ford’s powerful, high-end Mustang GT, and help build Chrysler’s iconic Viper sports car.

Now, he’s doing the same for the Tesla S, with a drooler that can set records at Laguna Seca or turn heads in your hometown.

The new Tesla Model S based Saleen FOURSIXTEEN performance electric car was shown for the first time at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this month. It’s the first EV from Saleen, who told Automotive News “Electric cars are not a fad. They’re a trend,” and describes Tesla as a a game-changer.

Saleen 4Sixteen Tesla S

Saleen DNA

Special front air vents, which Saleen calls aero management vents, help ensure s a low pressure field for acceleration, while a V-shaped hood draws hot air away from the drivetrain cooling system at the same time it generates downforce to keep the car from leaping off the road.

Saleen has added lightweight carbon fiber to the rear fascia and between the taillights, and added a Saleen designed high-downforce decklid mounted spoiler. And 22″ tires.

Electric Performance

Just like the rest of the Saleen lineup, this is much more than an eye catching aerodynamic package.

The new FOURSIXTEEN is driven by a new 3-phase, four pole AC induction motor and copper rotor with the upgraded Saleen drivetrain including an all-new 11.39:1 final gear ratio for quicker acceleration.

Also new is a Saleen designed locking differential that allows each wheel to act independently to maximize traction and grip in high performance environments, whether that’s the racetrack or a quick merge onto the 405.

The electric motor is cooled more effectively by a larger volume radiator than in the production model Tesla S, plus, a high-flow water pump.

“Electric drivetrains are unique in that they can generate an incredible amount of torque at zero RPM”, says Sven Etzelsberger, VP Advanced Engineering. “Our challenge was really to find methods to manage the energy that is generated by the electric motor and rotor assembly. With the FOURSIXTEEN we have successfully found a comprehensive solution to increase performance and harness power in an efficient manner.”

Special Features

The FOURSIXTEEN can be ordered with Saleen specific S4 track-calibrated suspension or with a fully adjustable configuration that allows you to increase stiffness for a day at the track and revert to a setting more comfortable for street and highway driving.

Like most new cars, the Saleen FOURSIXTEEN has a stability control system, but this one is track tested for peak performance. The software gives better cornering response so you can maintain power as traction and weight distribution changes on tight turns.

ZR-spec tires make sure the car will hug the corners, accelerate true in the straights, and stop effortlessly when needed.

Supercar inspired interior

There’s style and luxury inside, too, from the carbon fiber dash accents, to the choice of leather. Supple black leather is contrasted by hand-sewn perforated leather accents and Alcantara suede inlays and contrast stitching. Seat shells which have been color matched to the black leather, for a chic and modern feel in the rear seats.

A new center console gives the driver and front passenger additional center storage. Plus, there’s a pocket for a personal electronic device and cupholder within arm’s reach. Seriously, how many supercars do you know which have a cupholder? The trick is not to spill the contents on fast, tight turns.

Continuing the track-inspired exterior enhancements, the front and rear seating have been remolded to produce four full bucket seats complete with added bolstering to create a discerning interior that is fittingly built around the driver and passengers. Marrying the seating design to the rest of the cockpit are the Saleen tailor-made door panels and a full leather-wrapped dash both artistically complimented with hand sewn contrast stitching. The final stroke of interior craftsmanship draws attention to the seat shells which have been color matched to the black leather, creating a dynamic modern feel in the rear cabin.

Availability, Pricing and Additional Information

Like all supercars, the Saleen FOURSISTEEN carries a super price. MSRP starts at $152,000 for the complete vehicle, which includes the base P85Model S sedan. But since this is an electric car, there are state and federal EV incentives to help reduce the price. Depending on where you live, those incentives can range from $7,500 to $15,000. A California resident would pay $142,000.00. Plus, you won’t ever pay for gas, since this is a plug-in electric car.

Warranties are also included on all new Saleen vehicles, components, and labor. Each newly purchased Saleen FOURSIXTEEN will include a 4-year / 50,000 mile warranty to match the manufacturer backed limited warranty.

Contact Saleen Automotive directly to purchase, and you’ll get delivery in 6-8 weeks following order confirmation and receipt.Or, just buy some of the FOURSIXTEEN components for your Tesla Model S to add a touch of performance or styling. Vroom.

Thanks for visiting ecoXplorer. Stay up to date with the latest news about green travel, green cars, smart spending and frugal living by subscribing. It's free. RSS feed.

Welcome back to exoXplorer. Stay up to date with the latest news about green travel, green cars and smart spending by subscribing. It's free. RSS feed.

ecoXplorer is your guide to smart spending and eco-friendly living

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 20+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and guidebook and smartphone app author – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.

ecoXplorer.com is an independent information service which is compensated by advertisers and sponsors. This site includes some links to other websites which are compensated for by our sponsors when you click them.